By Charlene

Expository documentaries
What are expository
documentaries?
An expository documentary is a documentary film
where the narrator speaks over the camera to
explain a particular story. They are based on
evidence, displayed in a clarifying manner and
talk directly to the viewers. Also, the spectator
does not see the narrator during the
documentary. Expository documentaries are
instructive, educational, and persuasive. They are
designed to assure that the audience interprets the
comments, pictures, and clips in a specific way.
They focus on social problem in the world and
emphasizes rhetorical content to engae the viewer.
The history of expository documentaries
1980-
Pre-1900 1920–1940
Present
Pre-1900: There were John Grierson Due to increased
early indications of introduced the first accessibility of
the expository style. expository films brought about
They used pictures or documentary. by technology, a
quick video clips to Narration also broader spectrum of
inform viewers about provided a more topics are being
distant places. directed experience studied. Basic
for the viewer. There conventions are still
was also an increase used in documentaries
in socially conscious today, but other
documentaries. documentary styles
may be added.

Expository
documentaries had
become the most
They had brief clips popular type of
showing real-life documentary. Voice-
events such as crowded over narration, expert
city streets. However, and eyewitness
these videos lacked interviews
background and and archival
description, as there footage became common
was no narration in those films.

1900–1920 1940–1970
Codes and conventions
Voice over narration

Interviews

Archival footage

On screen text

Linear structure

B-roll footage

Mis en scene

Sound

Camera techniques

Continuity editing
Codes and conventions
Codes:
Voice over narration: On screen text: Mis en scene Sound Camera techniques:
• The narrator plays the role of • The narration is enhanced with • The arrangement of elements in • Sound enhances the emotional • Camera techniques include
a guide, offering background on-screen text, pointing out the frame, like lighting, impact of the narrative, sets framing, composition, movement,
information, perspectives, and important information and costumes, props, and sets the tone, and reinforces key and angles.
analysis of what's happening on identifies interviewees. impacts the way the themes or messages. • They convey perspectives,
screen. • It addresses important details audience views the narrative. • Sound designs usually aim for emphasise important details, or
• It helps with the audience's for the reader, simplifies • It establishes the right tone, clarity and realism. evoke emotions.
understanding of the difficult concepts, and setting, and visual framework • This could involve using clean • They use static shots and
documentary's topic and promotes the story. for the story. audio for interviews, minimal smooth camera movements to
abstract concepts. • It ensures that viewers won't • It could also convey motifs or background music that doesn't convey a sense of stability and
overlook important details and symbolic meanings. overpower the narration, and focus on the information.
improves their understanding of natural sounds from the
the film. documentary's setting.

Conventions:
Interviews Archival footage Linear structure B-roll footage Continuity editing

• Expository films provide first- • Documentaries that explain • These usually have a linear • It can enhance the storytelling • This maintains visual coherence
hand descriptions, insights, things visually and structure and tell the story in and immerse viewers in their and consistency by ensuring
and viewpoints on the subject historically are enhanced with an easy-to-follow chronological world. seamless transitions between
matter through interviews with archival footages. order. • It helps to break up the shots and scenarios.
experts, eyewitnesses, or key • Filmmakers can take audiences • This improves the documentary's monotony of talking heads and • Interruptions or diversions
figures. to a location and time by using cohesion, clarity, and static shots, keeping the that can lessen the audience's
• Interviews give the story primary sources. continuity, by making it audience engaged and experience are avoided and
authenticity and depth, • It makes the film more simpler for audiences to follow maintaining their attention viewers are kept interested and
enabling viewers to empathise appealing by showing important along and comprehend the throughout the documentary. fully submerged in the story.
with those involved. points, events, and social subject matter. • It strengthens the
conditions. • The steady development of documentary's professionalism,
• It increases authenticity and concepts, topics, and improving the audience's
allows the audience to see arguments allows for a more perception of its authority and
historical events as they satisfying and powerful viewing credibility.
happen. experience.
• Ken Burns' documentary series "The Civil War" uses a mix of
historical images, narrator commentary, and historian interviews
to examine the American Civil War. From the beginning of the war
to the end, the series explores significant battles, political
developments, and societal shifts.

• The documentary vividly depicts the history of the Civil War

via original source materials and archive photos. The narration,
an engaging and authoritative style, gives viewers background
information and commentary while navigating the war. Historians'
interviews provided more perspectives and insights that
enhanced the story.

• Ken Burns' signature technique of panning and zooming across

still images, known as the "Ken Burns effect," adds a dynamic
visual element to the documentary, creating a sense of movement
and immersion. This technique, combined with the enticing music

“The Civil War” by

and sound design, enhances the emotional impact of the
storytelling.

• Many people consider "The Civil War" to be a documentary

Kens Burns (1990) filmmaking masterpiece, because of its thorough research,

engaging narrative, and emotional value. It has significantly
influenced academic discussion as well as popular culture,
influencing how the we view the Civil War and its legacy.
References

• https://academy.wedio.com/expository-documentary/

• http://filmsound.org/film-sound-history/documentar
y.htm#:~:text=The%20choices%20made%20among%20these
,classic%20Hollywood%20mode%20of%20production

• https://www.thescreenacademy.com/knowledge/codes-a
nd-conventions/audience-positioning-and-resistant-
readings#

• https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098769/reviews